LAS VEGAS >>Allegiant Air pilots ratified a new contract after a fight during which the union accused the low-fare carrier of taking safety shortcuts.

Teamsters Local 1224 said Thursday that the five-year contract includes immediate pay raises of up to 31 percent and better benefits and scheduling rules.

The union says more than 85 percent of voting pilots favor the contract, which takes effect Monday.

Chief Operating Officer Jude Bricker says the contract makes Allegiant competitive with other airlines on wages and benefits.

During more than two years of negotiations, the Teamsters accused Allegiant of cutting corners on safety and tried to go on strike, a move blocked by a federal judge.

The airline is part of Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Co. Its shares are up almost 1 percent in afternoon trading.